Icelandic Independence Day (þjóðhátíðardagur) is celebrated on June 17th

While rooted in the push for independence, today's celebration has evolved into a more festive, family-friendly affair. The main ceremony takes place in Reykjavík on Austurvöllur Square, outside the Alþingi (parliament), featuring a speech from the Prime Minister and a parade led by scout troops (Iceland has no military, after all). Celebrations extend along the Tjörnin Lake and Hljómskálagarðurinn Park, featuring bouncy castles, concerts, and a myriad of children's activities.

Icelanders like to joke that it is always raining on this national holiday. Unfortunately, this weather is all too often in the forecast, with some towns having moved festivities indoors to local sports halls. The tradition of soggy celebrations began with the very first ceremony in 1944, remembered for its pouring rain.

The story begins with Jón Sigurðsson. Born in Hrafnseyri in the Westfjords, Jón moved to Copenhagen to pursue his studies, and, like many Icelanders, he spent a significant part of his life there. Though a prolific scholar and writer, he never completed his degree, dedicating himself tirelessly to the cause of Icelandic self-governance and independence. He died in 1879, 39 years before Iceland became a sovereign state in union with Denmark in 1918 after being under Danish rule for 520 years. The Danish–Icelandic Act of Union, an agreement signed by Iceland and Denmark on December 1, 1918, recognized Iceland as a fully independent and sovereign state known as the Kingdom of Iceland. The establishment was similar to Canada's relationship with the British monarchy today.

In 1918, Iceland was a small, remote, agrarian society with limited infrastructure and economic resources. As part of the agreement, Denmark continued to manage certain affairs on Iceland's behalf, including foreign relations, defense, and aspects of the judiciary.

Iceland established its own Supreme Court in 1920. It gradually assumed control of its foreign affairs, fully taking over in 1940 after Denmark was occupied by Nazi Germany. (Notably, Iceland had already established diplomatic ties and opened an embassy in Copenhagen in 1920, with Sveinn Björnsson—later Iceland's first president—as its first ambassador.) Denmark had sent its first ambassador to Reykjavík a year earlier, in 1919.

The Kingdom of Iceland lasted only 26 years, and on June 17, 1944, the Republic of Iceland was formally established.

The decision to sever ties with Denmark and establish a republic was made through a national referendum. Of those who voted, 98.4% supported the transition, with just 377 people voting to remain in the union. Turnout was exceptionally high, reaching 100% in two constituencies.

While the 1918 sovereignty agreement marked the true beginning of Icelandic independence in political terms, it occurred in December, which is less than ideal for outdoor celebrations. Jón Sigurðsson's birthday in mid-June offered a more festive and seasonally appropriate occasion for a national holiday.

His bronze statue now stands in front of the Alþingi, towering over a cheering crowd each June 17th, rain or rare sunshine.

Explore Reykjavík’s National Day Events